title: Self discipline and obesity in Bangkok school children.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Childhood obesity has become an important public health problem in Thailand. This study aimed to determine the relationship between self discipline and obesity in Bangkok school children.
  
  
  METHODS
  A case control study was conducted. 140 cases (obese children) and 140 controls (normal weight children) were randomly chosen from grades 4-6 students in 4 Bangkok public schools. Questionnaire responses regarding general characteristics and child self-discipline were obtained from children and their parents.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Self discipline in eating habits, money management and time management were reported at significantly lower levels among the obese group (p < 0.05). After controlling all other variables, it was revealed that the ranking of factors associated with obesity by adjusted odds ratio (OR) were low self-discipline in managing expenses (3.1), poor home environment (3.0,), moderate self-discipline in time management (2.9), television viewing time ≥2 hours/day (2.6), an obese father (2.2), and an obese mother (1.9).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It was recommended that parents and teachers participate in child self-discipline guidance, particularly with regard to eating habits, money management and time management in a supportive environment that both facilitates prevention of obesity and simultaneously develops a child's personal control.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, 420/1 Rajvithi Road, Rajthevi district, Bangkok 10400, Thailand. phcsr@mahidol.ac.th
authors.forename: Chutima
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sirikulchayanonta
authors.forename: Wasoontara
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Ratanopas
authors.forename: Paradee
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Temcharoen
authors.forename: Suwat
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Srisorrachatr
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009752:Nutritional Status; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D020377:Self Efficacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013785:Thailand / Q000453:epidemiology